This week rap group Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli) are touring the U.K. with two other legendary hip-hop acts (De La Soul and Rakim) so let's take it back to the classics. Although classic albums have come from both Mos Def ('Black On Both Sides', 'The New Danger' and his latest 'The Ecstatic') and Talib Kweli ('Quality', 'The Beautiful Struggle', 'Eardrum' and his Reflection Eternal albums), there's just something about this 'Black Star' album. From Mos' opening lyrics to the huge 'Definition' to the realer then a remix 'Re: Definition' this album was the perfect reply to those calling for realer hip-hop. With Reflection Eternal producer Hi-Tek magnificently manning the boards as part of the group in hindsight and foresight we desperately need another album from these legends. The lyrical Kweli and versatile Def's legacies where set with conscious, educating songs like 'Brown Skin Lady', 'K.O.S. (Determination)' and the backpackers favourite 'Respiration' where Common strapped up and breathed new life into the record. Mos and Talib have recorded even more classics together since ('Supreme, Supreme', 'What It Is', 'Born & Raised', 'History' and many more) but until they put another album on wax things will never be the same. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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